A Day in the Life: Clinical Research Nurse (Allergy)

Early Morning

On days when we have clinical trial participants attending for food challenges or study appointments – which is most days at present – I leave my house at 6:30am.

We are currently in the midst of a busy period in allergy clinical trials. We are screening and recruiting participants for a peanut immunotherapy trial in toddlers, while also completing the end of year 2 food challenges for those in the open label phase of a similar trial in older children.

With the early start, I prepare everything the night before, as I need to sneak out in the mornings without waking my daughters or dog. It is impossible to leave the house on time if anyone is awake. If I have time, I’ll make a pot of coffee - but more often than not, I end up visiting the drive-through coffee shop beside Connolly Hospital. Breakfast is also consumed en route.

Starting the Day

On these mornings, a core Allergy research team of three research nurses, two clinical trials pharmacists, a clinical research fellow and either our research co-ordinator or research assistant are at the doors of CHI at Connolly as the building opens at 7:15am.

By 7:20, we convene in our dedicated research room – affectionately known as ‘the cupboard’. Like a well-oiled machine, we quickly complete the morning tasks – equipment and email checks are performed, files, keys and medication kits are collected ahead of our first participant’s arrival at 7:30am.

Morning Tasks

We liaise with the Principal Investigator, the clinical allergy team and the Outpatient Department regarding the research activity for the day. Our participants are reviewed and assessed by our clinical research fellow to ensure they are fit to proceed with the day’s procedures. Then the pharmacists commence their diligent preparation of the food challenge formulas.

All of our allergy clinical trial participants undergo double blind placebo-controlled food challenges to confirm eligibility to join the trials. These challenges are repeated annually for the duration of their participation, to assess their response to the study drug.

Participants attend on two separate days:

• One day they receive increasing doses of a placebo formula
• The other day they receive an identical formula containing peanut protein

The blinded members of the team do not know which day is which. This is the gold standard test for confirming a diagnosis of an allergy and identifying the dose at which a participant reacts.

While the pharmacy team prepare the formula, we carry out protocol-mandated procedures such as physical examination, skin prick testing and blood sampling.

The challenges start by 08:30 and can take several hours to complete. Once underway, we often have one or two follow-up appointments for existing participants. These are generally short and involve skin checks, investigational medicinal product (IMP) returns and dispensing, and review of electronic diaries and compliance.

A member of the team might also visit the Allergy clinic to speak with families of potential research participants. We work very closely with the clinical Allergy team, whose CNSs and ANPs have mentored and trained all of the research nurses in specialised procedures.

Midday

By lunchtime, the dosing phase of the food challenges and morning visits are usually complete. We stagger our lunch breaks so that participants continue to be closely monitored until discharge.

While lunch is taken individually, coffee is a team activity, and we always factor in a daily coffee run. We have also been known to enjoy the last few pieces from any available box of chocolates!

Afternoon Tasks

Afternoons involve phone calls and preparation for the following day. There is the occasional participant visit, usually longer appointments that require detailed caregiver training on study procedures and use of medicinal products.

We also provide additional safety training on the management of allergic reactions during trial participation.

Data entry for the day’s visits is completed each afternoon. We liaise with couriers transporting blood samples to central laboratories and arrange shipments for upcoming days.

We also hold informal planning discussions with the wider team to coordinate upcoming appointments and logistics.

Challenges and Rewards

Scheduling has been particularly challenging, with many moving parts. It often feels like solving a complex puzzle—aligning appointment timelines, room availability and ensuring the right team members are present.

The most rewarding part of the role is the interaction with participants and their families. We build strong, caring relationships and follow their allergy journeys over months and years.

The team dynamic is another highlight. There are plenty of laughs, especially towards the end of busy weeks, when the combination of early starts and long days can lead to some very memorable moments.

Wrapping Up the Day

At the end of the day, we recheck schedules and ensure that all appointments for the following day are confirmed and prepared.

On my way home, I switch off by listening to an audiobook or podcast. Sometimes I use the quiet time to send voice notes to friends and family. I then collect my daughters and head home.

Outside of Work

I have a lovely 10-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog / Australian Shepherd called Sully. He’s a dream now, but the early months were very challenging – many of our skirting boards are still recovering!

I spend most of my spare time with my family. I try to go to the gym three times a week and have recently been persuaded to consider competing in a Hyrox event.

I’m also trying to read more, although my stack of unread books is growing quickly.

Personal Reflection

I truly value my role in CHI and feel extremely lucky to work with such a fantastic team. The combination of patient-facing clinical work and the organisational and regulatory aspects of clinical trials provides a balance that I really enjoy.

Allergy is a dynamic and exciting field, with significant treatment advances in recent years. It is very rewarding to contribute to the smooth running of busy clinical trials and to support each child in a way that suits their individual needs.

I love working in CHI at Connolly, where research is highly active and integrated into daily hospital life. The atmosphere is incredibly positive, and collaboration across teams is excellent.

The opening of the New Children’s Hospital will be very exciting, particularly in seeing how research continues to grow alongside routine care in a new, purpose-built environment.